by Francis Tuschek, Staff Writer
Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen is set to visit Brussels next week to engage with European Union lawmakers, marking the first time a former Taiwanese leader has been to the EU capital.
Having stepped down earlier this year, Tsai has already confirmed her attendance in Prague later this week. The Taiwanese government is keeping details of her trip discreet, though local media indicate she may also travel to France.
According to the Taipei Representative Office in the EU, the purpose of her visit to Belgium is to foster interactions with lawmakers and experts who are supportive of Taiwan, aiming to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Europe.
It is still uncertain whether Tsai will meet with EU officials.
Her visit occurs against a backdrop of tensions between the EU and China, highlighted by a trade conflict that includes Brussels imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. In response, Beijing has enacted duties on French brandy and threatened actions against various European industries, including automobiles, pork, and dairy.
Additionally, her trip coincides with rising military tensions between Beijing and Taipei. Tsai’s successor, President Lai Ching-te, is also from the Democratic Progressive Party, which Beijing perceives as promoting Taiwanese independence. Concerns are mounting that China could initiate a new series of military exercises around Taiwan.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in July her intention to “deter China” from attempting to invade Taiwan.
While no EU member state officially recognizes Taiwan’s sovereignty, they assert their right to engage with Taiwan economically and culturally. There has been an increase in collaboration between European governments and Taipei to combat disinformation, particularly as China openly supports the Russian economy, which the West aims to sanction.
Beijing has urged the Czech Republic to refrain from supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist forces in any capacity.
台灣前總統蔡英文將於下週造訪布魯塞爾，與歐盟立法者交流，這是台灣前領導人首次前往歐盟首都。
蔡英文今年早些時候卸任，已確認本週稍晚將出席在布拉格的活動。台灣政府對她的行程保持低調，但當地媒體指出她可能還會前往法國。
根據駐歐盟台北代表處的說法，她此次造訪比利時的目的是促進與支持台灣的立法者和專家的互動，旨在加強台灣與歐洲之間的關係。
蔡英文是否會與歐盟官員會面仍不確定。
她的訪問背景是歐盟與中國之間的緊張關係，特別是布魯塞爾對中國製電動車徵收關稅的貿易衝突。作為回應，北京對法國白蘭地徵收關稅，並威脅對包括汽車、豬肉和乳製品等多個歐洲產業採取行動。
此外，她的行程與北京和台北之間日益加劇的軍事緊張局勢相吻合。蔡英文的接任者賴清德也來自民主進步黨，這個黨派被北京視為推動台灣獨立。人們擔心中國可能會在台灣周圍展開新一輪的軍事演習。
歐洲委員會主席烏爾蘇拉·馮德萊恩在七月表示，她的意圖是「嚇阻中國」試圖入侵台灣。
儘管沒有任何歐盟成員國正式承認台灣的主權，但他們主張與台灣在經濟和文化上進行互動的權利。歐洲各國政府與台北之間的合作正在增加，以對抗假資訊，尤其是在中國公開支持俄羅斯經濟的情況下，西方企圖對其進行制裁。
北京已敦促捷克共和國不要以任何形式支持「台灣獨立」的分裂勢力。
